NYS Senate passes Fuschillo’s Reverse Vending Machine Bill

On Monday, June 16, the New York State Senate passed a bill, sponsored by Senator Charles J Fuschillo, Jr which would require “big box” stores to have reverse vending machines (RVMs) on site. 

Levittown School District & Residents Angry over NYS Exam Q&A

The Levittown School District Superintendent, Dr. Herman A. Sirois,  and Board of Education President, Gina Interdonato,  joined with the Levittown Historical Society and local politicians are protesting a  derogatory bias in the New York State Grade Eight Social Studies Exam.

Paterson & Suozzi release Property Tax Relief Report

This morning, June 3, Governor David A. Paterson (right) and Commission Chairman Tom Suozzi (left) have announced the  release of a Preliminary Report from the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief. (6/3/08-Photo from NY.gov) 

3rd Time Republicans try to Cut County Gas Tax

For the past 3 years, Republicans in the Nassau County Legislature introduced legislation to cut the gas tax for the County.

NYS Senate Passes Gas Tax Holiday

Today, May 7, the New York State Senate passed legislation to eliminate the New York State taxes on gasoline from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

A Week of State Proclamations

This week, Governor David A. Paterson announces 6 different week-long proclamations for New York State; from Alternative Dispute Resolution Week to Nurses Week.

Gov. Signs Legislation Protecting Free Speech

5/1/08: Gov. Paterson (3rd from right) and Rep. Peter King (4th from right)

Yesterday, May 1, Governor David A. Paterson signed the “Libel Terrorism Protection Act”/ “Rachel’s Law,” which bars New York courts from enforcing libel judgments made in foreign courts of countries where the libel laws conflict with the United States First Amendment Rights.

Speaker Silver says NO to Gas Tax Cut; Blasts Bush and State GOP over Oil Prices

NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) just announced that he doesn’t support the proposal for a Summer Gas Tax Holiday. This comes right after the NYS Senate Majority called for a passage of this tax relief plan.

NYS is holding billions in unclaimed funds… Some of this money may be yours

For your protection, banks, insurance companies, utilities, investment companies and many other businesses are required by State law to surrender inactive accounts to the State. The Office of the New York State Comptroller serves as custodian of this money until you claim it.

Trump on the Ocean battle goes to Court

On Tuesday, April 15, attorneys representing Trump on the Ocean at Jones Beach went to the Supreme Court building in Mineola to try and settle a lawsuit against the State.

NYS Budget Passes

New York State Legislators came to an agreement yesterday up in Albany. The 2008-2009 New York State Budget was finally approved. It will include $121.7 billion in state spending, an increase of 4.9% from last year.

“In the face of two crises, one in government and one in our economy we came together to produce a responsible budget for the people of New York,” said Governor Paterson. “This was by no means a perfect process, nor is it a perfect product. But we were able to achieve the programmatic reforms and cost controls needed to move forward and confront the challenges ahead.”

Local Details from the 2008/09 Budget:

Education, the budget calls for a $1.8 billion increase in school aid statewide. On Long Island , almost every district will see an increase in school aid.

School District-08/09 State Aid-Increase from 07/08

Bellmore- 4,692,353 (+ 841,402)

Bellmore-Merrick- 19,591,127 (+ 1,829,411)

Island Trees- 15,209,617 (+1,563,466)

Levittown- 51,726,163 (+4,570,320)

Merrick- 6,091,849 (+353,337)

North Bellmore- 11,652,339 (+1,139,585)

North Merrick- 6,596,619 (+890,163)

Seaford- 9,970,932 (+576,502)

Wantagh- 14,751,451 (+1,045,550)

Nassau Community College will get $28.5 million for a new Performing Arts Building, new Parking Lots, updated Windows, new Energy Savings Initiatives, updated Fire Alarms and Public Address System.

SUNY Farmingdale will receive $39.3 millionand SUNY Westbury $13 Million.

For other school districts on Long Island or in NY click here http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/WAM/2008schoolaid/#n

For a full list of other SUNY schools click here http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/WAM/2008sunycuny/2008suny.html

Parks, $120 million for state parks, statewide. Jones Beach will get $4.2 million for boardwalk improvements, Zach’s Bay Comfort Station, upgrades in the water treatment plant and pool filtration system.

For a full list of state aid to New York parks click here http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/WAM/2008Parks/2008parks.pdf

Statewide Details:

Economic Development Projects, statewide $350 millionfor the New York State Capital Assistance Program (NYSCAP).

Heathcare, $25 million for 400,000 uninsured children.

For a full list click here http://www.budget.state.ny.us/

New Statewide Taxes:

Closing unintended tax loopholes ($429 million); increasing programmatically tailored fees ($203 million); increasing cigarette taxes by $1.25 per pack to $2.75 to fund health care investments ($265 million); and requiring Internet retailers such as Amazon.com to collect sales tax which is already owed to the State ($50 million). Certain Executive Budget revenue proposals were rejected, including taxing illegal drugs, imposing an additional $15 auto insurance surcharge, collecting a five-cent deposit on non-carbonated beverages, and removing restrictions on the operations of Quick Draw – though authorization for the game will be extended for two years.

NYS Legislators may pass budget today

The New York State Budget may finally pass today in Albany. Yesterday evening, a $124 billion budget was tentatively agreed upon between state legislators. The budget was due on April 1st, missing the deadline for the 2nd year in a row.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) stated yesterday that they should be in a position to pass the budget sometime today.

The state budget would increase 4.5% from last year, even with $5 billion in deficits and declining revenues. It will include a record $1.8 billion increase in school aid, which is expected to help Long Island and New York City schools, $1.1 billion in capital projects statewide and a $1.25-per-pack hike in cigarette taxes.

State Assembly Rejects Congestion Plan

The New York City Congestion Pricing Plan has died.

In conference, behind closed doors today, New York State Assembly members rejected Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal. The plan never made it to the Assembly floor, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver refused to bring it up for vote due to a lack of support. To qualify for $ 354.5 million in federal funds the State Legislature had until midnight tonight to pass the controversial measure. The federal funds would’ve been used for immediate mass transit improvements.

NYS Budget will include $95 million for Parks; Jones Beach to get millions

Governor David A. Paterson, announced yesterday, that the Enacted Budget includes $95 million in funding for improvements at state parks across New York. This is the single largest commitment of capital investment for New York State Parks.

“For too many years, our parks have been neglected.Making long overdue investments in our state parks will not only preserve New York’s natural resources and protect our environment, but it will also serve as a critical engine of economic growth,” said Governor Paterson. “A first-class parks system will draw residents, tourists, and private investment to communities around our state.”

The $95 million investment will fund a variety of capital projects at state parks in every region of New York. After decades of neglect, an estimated $650 million is needed to revitalize the entie park system.

According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Long Island, will receive more money than any other region. Jones Beach State park will get millions to rehabilitate the boardwalk, sewer outfall, water tower and Zach’s Bay comfort station. Regionwide improvements include new playgrounds, removing old oil tanks, planting new trees and clearing out dead ones.